Yellow Russian Summer Recipes

RUSSIAN OKROSHKA

Steps:

• Place diced potatoes into a medium pot and cover with water. Add 1 Tbsp vinegar and bring to a boil, continue boiling for 10 minutes or until the potatoes are just cooked.
• Drain potatoes and carefully rinse with cold water to cool down.
• In the meantime, boil the eggs and cool them in ice cold water.
• On a cutting board dice the 2 whole eggs and 2 egg whites (set 2 yolks aside), cucumbers, radishes and ham. Chop the dill and green onions and place everything in a large pot.
• In a separate large bowl, whisk together sour cream and remaining 2 egg yolks until combined, add the 8 cups of boiled cooled water, remaining 2½ Tbsp of vinegar and 2½ tsp of salt, whisk gently until combined. Pour the mixture into the pot over the rest of the ingredients. Gently stir to combine.
• Let the veggies soak all the flavors for 2-3 hours before serving.
• The soup must be kept if the refrigerator and served cold.
• This is the type of soup that gets better and better the second day!

YELLOW RELISH

Steps:

• Bring 1 gallon water to a boil in a large pot and dissolve pickling salt in the boiling water. Place cucumbers, onions, cauliflower, red bell peppers, and apples into a large bowl or crock and pour the boiling water over the vegetables. Allow to stand overnight and drain the next morning.
• Transfer vegetables to a large stock pot and mix in sugar, vinegar, 3 cups water, flour, dry mustard powder, and turmeric until thoroughly combined. Bring the relish to a boil and reduce heat to medium-low; simmer until vegetables are cooked through and soft, about 20 minutes.
• Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the relish into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids and screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars into the boiling water using a holder. Leave a 2-inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary to bring the water level to at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the pot, and process relish for 15 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area.

YELLOW SUMMER SQUASH RELISH

Steps:

• In a large container, combine squash, onions, green pepper and salt. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Drain; rinse and drain again., In a Dutch oven, combine sugar, vinegar and seasonings; bring to a boil. Add squash mixture; return to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat., Carefully ladle hot mixture into 6 hot 1-pint jars, leaving 1/2-in. headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if necessary, by adding hot mixture. Wipe rims. Center lids on jars; screw on bands until fingertip tight. , Place jars into canner with simmering water, ensuring that they are completely covered with water. Bring to a boil; process for 15 minutes. Remove jars and cool. Refrigerate remaining relish for up to 1 week.